On March 10-12, the “Future Armenian” forum, which is the first pan-Armenian civil forum, will be held. Three of the 15 main goals are discussed: “Historical responsibility,” “Population growth,” and “Armenia-Diaspora unity.”
“Intellectual debates were quite heated. It is not that we gather to agree. We are gathering to argue, but to create the atmosphere through which a common line will be developed as a result of this dispute,” said Aram Abrahamyan, Editor-in-Chief of “Aravot” daily, Head of the “Armenia-Diaspora Unity” expert committee of the “Future Armenian” forum, at a meeting with journalists. The expert groups have held professional discussions recently, identifying problems and solutions”.
Aram Abrahamyan mentioned: “Questions constantly appeared in our discussions: who is an Armenian, what is Armenia, who is a Diaspora Armenian?”
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We have different approaches here as well. It is not true to say that we have a final decision, but the main idea is the Armenian-centricity of the Diaspora. One of the participants said that Armenia is the magnet, and Diaspora communities are pieces of metal that must be united. Yes, Armenia’s Statehood is experiencing a specific crisis, and the Diaspora can be the blood vessel that can help with the experience. It is no coincidence that there is talk of legislative changes that will allow Diaspora Armenians to participate in political decisions.
There are different opinions on this issue as well.” Aram Abrahamyan answered the question: how to overcome the current gap in Armenia-Diaspora relations. “I agree that there is a lack of trust and a gap that does not appear today, but in these 30 years and before, when the Diaspora considered us, sorry for the expression, “throwers and money grabbers,” and Armenians view Diaspora Armenians as “eater-drinker and misers.” The only way to overcome the gap is united interests.”
Luiza Sukiasyan
